Head of CMHA indicted in Cuyahoga corruption investigation

CLEVELAND -- A federal grand jury indicted George A. Phillips, now known as George Phillips-Olivier, executive director of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority of Cleveland, and Michael McMichael in connection with the Cuyahoga County public corruption investigation.

Philips-Olivier, 53, of Cleveland, was arrested today and was expected to be in federal court this afternoon.

CMHA almost immediately placed Phillips-Olivier on administrative leave and scheduled a special board meeting for Thursday (April 28) to go forward with new leadership.

The indictment charges Phillips and McMichael each with one count each of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, Hobbs Act, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

McMichael, 53, of Concord, is additionally charged with another count of bribery and making false statements to law enforcement officers.

McMichael headed the local division of Siemens Building Technologies in Garfield Heights. FBI and IRS agents searched CMHA offices, Siemens offices and McMichael's home on Oct. 15, 2008.

Siemens oversaw a $33 million energy savings project for CMHA.

Both are charged in connection with the FBI and IRS's on-going probe into corruption in Cuyahoga County government.